How to Get a Japanese Phone Number: eSIM, SIM & Virtual Options
Need a real Japanese number for calls, texts, local services or a longer stay? This guide explains the practical options for foreigners and visitors, how Japanese mobile numbers work, and when a data-only eSIM is enough.
Updated September 2026 · Editorially researched · Includes eSIM and mobile-number options
A practical example is Mobal's Japan Voice + Data eSIM, which combines a standard Japanese mobile number with voice, SMS and mobile data on compatible devices.
What Is a Japanese Phone Number?
A Japanese phone number is assigned within Japan's national numbering system. Mobile numbers commonly use prefixes such as 070, 080 and 090. A domestic mobile number may look like 080-1234-5678. In international format, remove the leading zero and add Japan's country code: +81 80 1234 5678.
A Japanese mobile number is different from simply having internet access in Japan. A data-only eSIM can connect your phone to mobile data but normally does not give you a standard Japanese cellular number for traditional voice calls and SMS.
Japanese Phone Number Formats
| Type | Example in Japan | International format | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile | 080-1234-5678 | +81 80 1234 5678 | Mobile voice/SMS |
| Mobile | 090-1234-5678 | +81 90 1234 5678 | Mobile voice/SMS |
| Mobile | 070-1234-5678 | +81 70 1234 5678 | Mobile voice/SMS |
| Tokyo landline | 03-1234-5678 | +81 3 1234 5678 | Geographic fixed line |
For a full dialing walkthrough, see our guide to calling Japan from the USA.
Can Foreigners Get a Japanese Phone Number?
Yes. Foreign visitors, students, workers and longer-term residents can obtain Japanese phone service, but requirements depend on the product and provider. Voice-capable mobile services can involve identity verification, while data-only travel eSIMs are usually simpler because they do not include a conventional Japanese voice line.
4 Practical Ways to Get a Japanese Phone Number
Voice + Data eSIM
Useful with an eSIM-compatible phone when you want mobile data plus a standard Japanese number for cellular calling and SMS. Check compatibility and ID requirements before ordering.
Voice-Capable Physical SIM
A practical alternative if your phone does not support eSIM. Make sure the plan explicitly includes a Japanese voice number rather than data alone.
Japanese Mobile Carrier Plan
Potentially suitable for residents and longer stays. Documentation, payment and eligibility requirements can be more involved than travel-oriented products.
Virtual or VoIP Number
Useful for some business or internet-calling scenarios, but not automatically equivalent to a Japanese mobile SIM. SMS, verification and emergency-calling capabilities can differ.
A Voice + Data eSIM With a Japanese Number: Mobal
Mobal Japan Voice+Data 5G eSIM
Mobal is especially relevant here because its activated Voice+Data eSIM provides a standard Japanese mobile number beginning with 070, 080 or 090 instead of functioning only as a travel-data connection. Its current Voice+Data 5G eSIM supports voice calling, SMS and mobile data in Japan.
- Standard Japanese 070/080/090 mobile number after activation
- Cellular voice calls and SMS plus mobile data
- Requires an unlocked, compatible eSIM device; VoLTE is required for calls
- Identity verification applies to voice-capable products
- The number is assigned after activation, not in advance
Mobal says its voice-capable products require identity verification. For its collection option in Japan, customers can present their passport and order confirmation at the collection point. Requirements can change, so verify the current process during checkout.
Check Mobal Voice + Data eSIM →What if you don't need a Japanese phone number?
If your priority is maps, browsing, email, messaging and internet-based calls, a data-only eSIM can be simpler. Mobal's Data-Only eSIM does not provide a Japanese phone number.
See Mobal Japan Data eSIM →Voice + Data eSIM vs Data-Only eSIM
| Feature | Voice + Data eSIM | Data-only eSIM |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile internet | Yes, if included | Yes |
| Standard Japanese mobile number | Can be included | Usually no |
| Traditional cellular calls | Can be supported | No; use internet calling apps |
| Cellular SMS | Can be supported | Usually no |
| Setup | May require ID/activation | Often faster digital setup |
| Best for | People needing a Japanese number, voice and data | Travelers mainly needing internet |
Other Japan Data eSIM Options to Compare
These services are worth considering when your main requirement is mobile data in Japan. They are connectivity alternatives; this list does not imply that each provider supplies a standard Japanese mobile number. Always check the live Japan plan, network, allowance, hotspot policy and voice/SMS support.
Saily
Travel eSIM option for users primarily looking for mobile data. Check current Japan plans and inclusions.
View Saily →
Nomad eSIM
Travel-data eSIM options for Japan. Compare current allowance, validity and network details.
View Nomad →
aloSIM
Another travel eSIM option to check for Japan data. Review the live product page for current plan details.
View aloSIM →
Ubigi
Data-focused eSIM connectivity for travelers. Compare current Japan coverage and plan terms.
View Ubigi →
Quibity
Travel eSIM provider with Japan connectivity options. Check current availability and specifications.
View Quibity →
Billion Connect
Global connectivity provider with eSIM offerings. Confirm current Japan package details at checkout.
View Billion Connect →
Bcengi
Bcengi's Japan TravelPass is positioned as data-only connectivity rather than a Japanese voice-number service.
View Bcengi →
Breeze eSIM
A travel eSIM alternative to compare for Japan. Check current packages and device requirements.
View Breeze eSIM →
Ohayu
Japan availability can change. Confirm that a Japan plan is currently purchasable before relying on it.
Check Ohayu →Can You Get a Japanese Phone Number Before Arriving in Japan?
You can order some Japanese voice services before arrival, but receiving and activating the number may involve extra steps. With Mobal, the number is assigned only after activation. Its voice-capable eSIM process requires an access code and identity verification; depending on the route, the code can be delivered to an eligible ID address or collected in Japan.
This differs from many data-only eSIMs, which can often be delivered digitally before travel because they do not provide the same type of Japanese cellular voice service.
Do You Need ID or a Japanese Address?
There is no single answer for every product. Requirements depend on service type and provider. Voice-capable Japanese mobile products can require identity verification, while data-only travel eSIMs generally have a simpler onboarding process.
For Mobal's current voice-capable products, the company says ID restrictions apply because of Japanese law. Its delivery process uses accepted ID and sends the SIM/eSIM access code to the address shown on that ID; its collection route requires the customer to show a passport and order confirmation in Japan.
Can a Japanese Number Receive SMS and Verification Codes?
A voice-enabled mobile number may support normal SMS, but whether a particular website, bank, app or verification system accepts the number is controlled by that third party. A working Japanese mobile number should therefore not be treated as a guarantee that every one-time password or verification code will arrive.
Mobal states that its Voice+Data 5G eSIM can receive SMS and positions the service for uses including verification codes. If a specific service is essential, check that service's eligibility rules before buying a phone plan solely for verification.
Japanese Mobile Number vs Virtual Japanese Number
| Mobile SIM/eSIM number | Virtual/VoIP number | |
|---|---|---|
| Network | Mobile/cellular | Internet/cloud-based |
| Typical use | Personal mobile calls, SMS and data | Business calling, forwarding, app-based communication |
| SMS | Depends on plan | Varies widely |
| Verification | Still depends on third party | Can be more limited |
| Japanese mobile identity | Yes when a standard mobile number is assigned | Not necessarily |
For internet-based phone services, read What Is VoIP?. If you already use a U.S. Google Voice account, see our Google Voice in Japan guide.
Which Option Should You Choose?
| Your priority | Option to investigate | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Real Japanese mobile number + data | Voice + Data SIM/eSIM | Combines a local mobile number with internet access |
| Maps, apps and internet only | Data-only eSIM | Simpler if you don't need cellular voice/SMS |
| Moving to Japan long term | Voice + Data plan or local carrier | Better suited to ongoing local calling/account needs |
| Business number remotely | Virtual/VoIP service | Useful for cloud calling/routing, subject to availability and rules |
| Phone doesn't support eSIM | Physical SIM | Removable alternative where compatible |
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I get a Japanese phone number?
Use a voice-capable Japanese SIM/eSIM, an eligible local carrier plan, or certain virtual-number services. If you need a standard Japanese mobile number, verify that the product explicitly includes voice and a Japanese number.
Can a tourist get a Japanese phone number?
Yes. Some services are designed for foreign visitors and offer voice-capable Japanese SIM/eSIM products. Identity verification and delivery or collection requirements can apply.
Does a Japan eSIM come with a phone number?
Not necessarily. Many Japan travel eSIMs are data-only. A product must specifically include voice and a Japanese number if you need traditional cellular calling and SMS.
What do 070, 080 and 090 mean in Japan?
They are commonly used Japanese mobile-number prefixes. When dialing internationally, remove the leading zero and use Japan's +81 country code.
Can I get a Japanese phone number before I arrive?
You may be able to order before arrival, but the number may not be assigned until activation and voice products can involve ID, delivery or pickup requirements.
Do data-only eSIMs have Japanese phone numbers?
Generally no. Their purpose is mobile internet. Internet calling apps can work over the data connection, but that is different from receiving a Japanese cellular number.
Can I use a Japanese number for verification codes?
A voice-enabled mobile plan may receive SMS, but acceptance and delivery of verification codes depend on the app, bank, website or service sending them.
Is a Japanese eSIM phone number the same as a VoIP number?
No. A standard mobile number issued with a cellular eSIM is a mobile service. A VoIP number operates through an internet-based communications service, and capabilities can differ.
Need a Japanese Number or Just Japan Data?
If you need a standard Japanese mobile number together with calls, SMS and data, compare a voice-capable product such as Mobal's Voice+Data eSIM. If you only need internet connectivity, a data-only eSIM may be simpler.
Explore Mobal Voice + Data →